Ex-Gator, Golden Bear seeks fresh start at KU

Defensive end Martin reunites with Weis after winding journey

LAWRENCE — Chris Martin could say he always knew there would be another chance, but a guy only gets so many.

Football tends to forgive five-star defensive ends who can rush the quarterback. That’s a fact. But even talented players like Martin eventually reach the end of the road, and Martin thought the end might come at a junior college in San Francisco, his fourth stop in three years since leaving high school.

Chris Martin, alumnus of the world, had nowhere else to go, or at least that's how it felt.

“There were times when there was no one calling,” Martin said. “We didn’t know what was going to happen.”

Ultimately, it was a voice from Martin’s past that reached out. Martin committed to Charlie Weis at Notre Dame in high school, then attended Florida — that was stop No. 2 — when Weis was the Gators’ offensive coordinator. The two go way back, so the normal recruiting dance wasn’t necessary when Weis contacted Martin about finishing his career at Kansas.

“He hasn’t recruited me really since Notre Dame, to be honest, nor would I expect him to,” Martin said by phone. “It wasn’t about showing me all the flashiness your school has to offer.

“Right now it’s about trying to be successful for the next two years, which is all I need.”

Martin is scheduled to sign with the Jayhawks on Wednesday, the first day of the mid-year signing period for junior college players. He brings a stronger pedigree than anyone else listed in KU’s 2013 class, having once been ranked as the No. 18 prospect in the country by Rivals.com.

Martin also brings a back story, which includes multiple transfers and an arrest for misdemeanor marijuana possession at Florida. Martin is open about his past and the need to finish his college career in a stable environment, which is why he wanted to play for a coach he already knew.

“It just makes things easier for me,” said Martin, who is expected to play rush end at KU. “I’ve already made things hard enough for myself. Me maturing, I had to think about, ‘OK, what can I do to make it easier on myself?’”

Martin committed to Notre Dame as a high school junior but re-opened his recruitment after Weis was fired. He signed with California but left without playing a down, citing the need to distance himself from distractions in the Bay Area.

That led Martin to Florida, where he redshirted in 2010-11. He was arrested in January 2011, according to The Palm Beach Post, and left the team in June of that year.

After a brief stop at Navarro (Texas) College, Martin landed at City College of San Francisco, where coach George Rush spoke some tough truth.

“When I stepped on campus at City College, coach Rush broke it down to me that I will have no chance if I don’t get things together,” Martin said. “That was pretty much a wake-up call.”

Martin knew he needed to show a commitment to football if he wanted another chance at the Division I level. He dedicated himself to putting together a complete season at City College, where he recorded 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss this year.

“Spring and summer, I worked my (butt) off just to show that I’ve still got it,” Martin said. “I’m just here trying to mature, showing that I can buy into a program and be successful in a program.”

When Weis and Martin met, neither side needed to do much convincing, Martin said. Mostly they just talked, finding the common theme in how their careers have unfolded.

“We’ve both got a chip on our shoulder,” Martin said. “A lot of people believe that coach Weis can’t win and he can’t coach.”

Martin disagrees with this assertion, by the way.

“If you look at Notre Dame right now, who are they all winning with and in the national championship game with? Coach Weis’ players,” he said. “Not taking anything away from coach (Brian) Kelly, but at the same time, coach Weis brings them in.”

Weis is bringing another recruiting haul to KU, albeit different from any he assembled at Notre Dame. KU’s class, ranked No. 31 nationally by Rivals.com, includes 16 players from the junior college ranks, with Martin serving as one of the cornerstones.

Even on the heels of a 1-11 season, Martin is confident in predicting a quick turnaround for KU. At this point, he doesn’t have time for anything else.

“Like coach (Buddy) Wyatt said when we went up there, we’re just trying to figure out which bowl we’re going to get in,” Martin said. “We’re aiming for that Big 12 championship right away ...

“It’s not a process. We’re not here to develop. We’re here to come now and play and make a difference.”

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There are more comments on this article than KSU's article talking about preparation for their BCS bowl game. KSU trollers just scream little-brother-syndrome. I understand this is your first time you have gotten national recognition but keep it in your pants children.

cheats is a KSU fan by his incoherent rambling posts. The misspellings and grammar are really hilarious. Too bad his granddaughter doesn't give him grammar lessons while she's in the deer blind with him. "Grandpa, the words "lose" and "loose" have two different meanings and you can't use them interchangeably."

Sometimes the older generation should just step back from the computer and stop making an a** of themselves.

This has the same feel as when Mark Mangino signed a big time, yet misunderstood transfer named Gabe Toomey. The guy had real swagger and helped put a winning attitude into the program.
Martin has that same intensity. He won't settle for less than the best from everyone. I'm pumped!!!

You're right! I've never heard of such solid players coming into a program that just finished a 1-11 season! These guys are ready to make a difference. Great job by Weis and company to bring in such a solid class. Love seeing KU fans soo excited about spring football and next season! Rock Chalk!!!